Monday 25 April 2016 16:15, UK
David Price has told Sky Sports he expects to make his long-awaited comeback on the undercard of Tony Bellew v Ilunga Makabu.
The 32-year-old former British and Commonwealth heavyweight champion last fought in July 2015 when he was stopped early by Erkan Teper, who subsequently failed a drugs test.
Now, under the guidance of new trainer Dave Coldwell, Price (19-3-KO16) is closing in on a return to action and the Liverpool fan may find himself fighting in the unfamiliar surroundings of Goodison Park.
He told Sky Sports: "I'm going to be fighting on the Tony Bellew undercard in Liverpool. We are still waiting for confirmation but it's 99%.
It's a dream come true for Tony, to fight for a world title in front of his home fans and I'm pleased to be part of it.
"I've been spending time in the gym getting going with my training, so it'll be good to be back under lights. There was no major rush but I am ready to get back in now.
"It'd be strange to fight at Goodison Park. I've never boxed at an outdoor event anyway but it's a bit of a mad one for me. It's a dream come true for Tony, to fight for a world title in front of his home fans and I'm pleased to be part of it.
"It'd be the perfect scenario for me to get in the ring, bash some cobwebs off and then watch one of my good mates achieve his lifelong dream. It'd be great to be a part of."
One man hoping to face Price on his return is unbeaten Yorkshireman Dave Allen (9-0-1-KO6), who questioned the Liverpudlian's punch endurance and said he'd relish a meeting.
Price said in response: "I don't know much about Dave Allen but I've seen he's mentioned my name. I haven't seen footage of him as a fighter so I can't really comment on him - I haven't got the information to form a solid opinion on him.
"It's not a fight I'd shy away from, so we'll see what happens in the coming weeks. We're all boxers, we all believe in ourselves and it's not something I take personally. As far as a name (for an opponent) is concerned, I've got no idea.
"I'll always stand by the fact that I've only lost to two men who both failed drug tests. I've been cheated."
